Drying apparatus



April 22, 1930. T. w. PROSSER YVDRYING APPARATUS 2 Sheets-Shea?I 1 Filed Jul-y 15.' 1925 April 22, 1930 I T. w. PRos'sER 1,755,334

DRYING APPARATUS Filed July 13, 1925 ZSheebS-Sheet 2 Ii' A @ww/ibo@ Patented Apr,l 2.2, v

l Ais/rAorIltTEmioogloroierrctet@"ILLINois,"n e'onronnirioiv orfrnniivois", v

" 'nn'vnve' ArrfeJuil-531WISy e, l'

vApplication"filed .Tuly 13,

Y Y. Thisinveliton apparatus f and, more particularly, to va1 steam-circulating f system therefor;l Y

Present-day ypractice fof. finishing hosiery AVinh'osieryplants involves, very generally, the use of aseries ,ofn hollow metal v"forms mounted on a table and connectg-jzd1to1.steannsupply and exhaust pipes, respectively, for effecting a circulation ofsteam thro-ughthe forms A? type ofsuch astructure isdisclosed in United States y vPatent No. 1,253,994, granted 'J anuary 15 1918, on the invention of P. M. 'Smith y vand myselfgvv-'Inconnection with this'practice, certain problems have developed lto 11,-: which the present invention isdirected(y "Due tofthepresenceof 'certain foreign matter, ad# hering more orless looselygtoltheinner Walls ofthe pipesorpassagevva .s employed inconf-v p ducting the steam to andy romthe forms, dif-r` g culty is encountered in maintaining these' passageways 'clear forfthe 4.flow ofthe steam and also forjthe condensate therefrom. Moref result, often. fornfis` a sticky massif permitted to accumulate, andfvvhich vtends proportionv ately to 'decrease thearea" ofthe pipes and pas-f sageways'p 'Experiment-s1, have shown that,

if some "of thesepassageways are made large' enough to enable the foreign matter to pass l "therethrough '(When'itfforms)y they would be quitefftoo large yto Vallovvf'merely theV eon'denf i l' sateftor` pass, with the result that large *amount* of stearn'vvill "tend, at times, to j flow ydirectly 'intothereturns orexhaust pipe and y the forms, as al ^consequence,` 'would become steamibound, making' it Vdifficult to remove the airtherefrom. f

Itis a primary object fof-:the `present inven-v v tion to provide a system 12W/herein 'these fdi L culties'rdo lnot exist: To thaten'd,I providev passagevvays of .adequate capacity ,e forv the vpassage oflboth the condensatehiand vfom-:ign

matter and, at the same time, introduce intoy the structure means for preventing the pas'- Y llfsage of steam from fthe 'feed-pipeinto-the; re-..

.vention embodied. therein;

-ti11'.,n-LpipeY,` isY to say, Il arrange the vfred andwreturnpipes'so that, vWhile the forms alle 1 Supplied vwith steam" through' the,` feednigpe,':these forms, allof them, drain into the lreturn:pipe,g and, in fconjunetion vtheremnoivres vv. irnossnn,Vv XANKirnnfLLmofs, ns'sreivonmo PARMQNT with, lprovide van outlet in associatnivvith and common to both passagevvays for Vthe condensate therefrom, and another'y outlet, also common to both passagevvays, for the reIIlQVal'gL-"of foreignI `matter therefrom.- I'

also provider means V in the form of awater- Yhead'i-af Water-legfto prevent the 'passage of steam directly'from the feedpipe intro-the re-Vv turn-pipe. ,The association'of aqwater-leg With thetvvo outlets permits'the use of large passageways for th@ condensate and. the fon' eign matter (While. maintainingthe required differential in ,pressure between thea-steamline andv-the returnflne: It 'also provides av place for theV foreign matter to fall byfgravity from'boththe steam and return pipes,`a:vvith ready means for the removal thereofrom the system, anclipermits ,the use of a :singletrap for takingthe, condensate Vfrom both ln- Lorder that lthe invention vmar-beimore v readiy comprehended', I have, in the;accomf panying' drawings, illustrated a preferred i l and :practical embodiment' thereof as Well 'asf' twomodifeations ;itbeing understood, however,v that'these dravvlngs'gare merely. illustra.

tive, that other embodiments. andA utiliza-tions soY of my-inventiveconcept'fareWithin the un; Y

derlyingv principlesofthe inventiomancl that l they illustrated lembodim*eI-its Aare susceptible of `agwide range of variationand modification In these drawings: i 'Figure 1 1s' a` view inv -Fg- 2 is, ai, fragmentary view, :sectional elevation, ofthe circulating-'system constitut;v

inginy inventiveconcept;Y.Av f v Fig. 3 is` also ayfragmentary --vievv, on -ay larger scale,showing aform mounted onthe returnfpipe kand themeans' for "communical and .returnfpipeg Y tion between-the form and the'istea'nigsu'pply' o Y P'lS'PeCtiYe sem? Wha-t fragmentary, of a structure with-my ine5 I Withoutdepartingsfrom the .'spiritvofthese principles o r thesalientzfeatuies thereof.

Y registering with Y 8 ofthe form 3 communicates.

Fig. l is a view, similar to Fig.v 2, of a l modified type of structure; and

Fig. is asimilar view of another modication.

In these drawings, it will be seen that the structure therein shown includesv certain features disclosed in the aforementioned patent.`

In this instance, however, the arrangement of forms on the exhaust-pipe isnot necessarily that Yindicated in the drawings of the patent, though it may be.

Referring, now, to the Y drawings, and to Figs. 1 to 3 thereof, it will be notedthat the reference-character l'designatesa table, generally, of appropriate construction.

Extending longitudinally of the table is form-supporting element 2 which, in this instance, is a .conduit constituting an exhaust or'return pipe, on Ywhich are mounted,`in spaced-apart relation, a 'series of hollow metal forms 3, these being secured to the pipe 2 in any` appropriate manner, as by bolts 4.

Each form is hollow, with a central-partition 5 to provide an internal channel or passageway 6. The channel terminatesin inlet and exhaust ports 7 and 8, respectively, apertures 9 and 10 in the return-pipe 2. Y

Disposed within and, thus', encompassed by the conduit 2 is a steam-supply conduit 11 constituting a feed-pipe, this being of VVa diametral dimension considerably less than the inside dimension of the vconduit 2 to provide :a passageway 12 with which the port exhaust andy condensate, passes at a lower pressure through the port 8 into the passageway l2 in the return-pipe. The outside diametral area of the nipple 13 is smaller than that of the port 7 in the form and the open- Y ing 9 in the return-pipe,l providing a passageway 14 for the condensate which forms in the left-hand side of the channel 6.Y

It has been explained that there are aseries of formssuch as 3-mounted on the .s return-pipe 2, and, in order to maintain a higher pressure in the supply-pipe 11 than exists in the form, the: area orfall the nipples, combined, is such as tocause more resistance to the flow of steam outof the supplypipe 11 than is offered tothe steam entering that pipe, thus producing a differential betweenV the pressures in the supply-pipe and the return-pipe. The object in maintaining this differential is to produce a comparativelyv 1 L rapid flow of steam into the forms-operating to displace any airwhich may be in the formsthrough the port and, also, to

insure that each form gets its fair share of steam, thus causing all the forms to heat unider to secure satisfactory functioning of thel fentireVdrying-system 1 y The conduit 11 is supported within the conduit 2'at one end by a reducer-element 15 and "at the other by an elbow-member 16. The conduit 2 is provided with an extension'or member including'an'elbow 17, a pipe'pl8, a

T-element 19, and-.an extension 20 terminating in a clean-out cap 21. i The conduit l11, in addition'to having 'the elbow' 16, alsoV has ank extension ormember 22, this being housed'inth'e elbow, 17,A in the pipes 18v and v20,v and in the T 19, and terminates above theplane of the clean-out cap 21,'and is of smaller outside diametral dimensions'than those of the partsjust mentioned n so as to provide a space 23, for a body of water, the function of which will presently be described. e

l 'Threaded' into the T 19 is a pipe 24 (provided vwith a strainer 25V ofanyV appropriate design) and terminating in fa Vtrap 26 and out of which extends al pipe 27ycommunicating with the'maindrain, not shown. VvThetrap is provided with a valve 28 anda plug 29, the latter being to enable the trap to .be tested, as usual.

In the elbow automatically or manually operatedV (as desired) when'the'formsare heating to permit free escape of air from the system. Y To control the supply ofsteamto the conduit 11, a valve 31 is provided forfthe conduit beyond the reducer 15. Y

' Operation: Assuming that the Vforms are cold by reason of temporary non-use, and it being desired to start them in operation, the valve 31 is opened, whereupon steam Vfrom the source of supply flowsinto the conduit 11,-thence through the nipples 13 into the channels Grof the several forms, circulating therethrough anchas condensate, (until the forms heat up) flows through the space 14 and the port Sinto'the passageway 12 in the conduit 2; any airA in the systembeing displaced and forced alongV to bedischargedthrough the valve 3() (if it be yopen) or through the;

trap 26 where it may be released, it being understood that the valve1 30 cooperating with thetrap permits the release of air from v i ioc 17 is a'valve 30 which may be Y the system more quickly, and this will facilitate the more rapid heating ofthe forms.

The condensate flowing from both Athe steamsupply "and the return-pipe collects in the space 23 inthe pipe 2O and gradually rises condensate will vflow through the'trap 26 and,

thence, to ythe main drain through the pipe 27. The height of the water-head in the space 23 is suflicien't to preventsteain from. passing fromy the feed-pipe 11 into the return-pipe 2 and thereby maintains the required diii'erf ential in pressurebetween these two pipes and causes circulation ofthe steam through each form.

" The strainer 25 operates to strain any dirt that may How with the condensate towards the trap and which would prevent functioning thereof.

The clean-out cap .21 provides means, in

i the'form of an outlet, Vcommon to both the steam-supply and return-pipe for removing any foreign matter that may by gravity,

or otherwise, have accumulated in the cap from either or both pipes. To drain the cap vat any time, as for preventing` freezing, is

provided with a pet-'cock `32.

It'will be understood vthat the pipe24 and the Velements 'extending therefrom constitute an outlet communicating with both the steainsupplyl and return-pipe to j permit removal of condensate therefrom.' This outletV and',

the passageways theretomay beV made of ample size to facilitate such removal without iny vterfering in any way with the functioning of the system. 1n the drawing (Fig. 2) the pipe 22 is shown somewhat smaller than the pipe :11; but it is to be understood that it may be -as large as that pipe,iif desired; also,the passageway 23 may be made of anyrequired size y to accommodate any special'conditioiis, such as fiuctuationsin the flow of condensate, an unusual quantity of foreign matter, etc. It will be seen,:also,fthat this outlet is common 1 to both of t-he pipes, the same as the clean-out cap 21,which alsoconstitutes an outlet, is common to both pipes.A g

It will be noted thatthe two steam areas,

'of different pressures,'are always separated by a head of water-constituting a waterleg-inthe lower portion of the space 23.

' The condensate from the feed-pipe 11 passes up through this water-head onits way lto the outletn in the T-member 19, .while theV condensate from the forms 3 passes direct to the outlet. Thus, the condensate from both lines is discharged by the same trap.

In Fig. 4, l have shown a modified type of structure: In` this instance, the steam-pipe `11 extends through a fitting 33 and is connected to an extension 34. The return-pipe 2 drains l into an extension The two extensions 34 The pipe 38 communicates with the main drain througlia trap or otherwise.

ln Fig. 5,1- have discl-osedanother modification involving a versal 'of 'the renate-- disposition :of the steam-*supply andre/turn;

pipe. VIn other words,'the steam-supply pipe 40 encompasses the return-pipe 41."V Each of these pipes has'an extension 42 and 43,VK respectively, connected-by aloop 44having a y plug 45 for thei-einoval of dirt, etc. The loop 44 constitutes a water-leg which separates the exhaust steam from the steam in the lfeedline. In this instance, the higher pressure in the feed-line would be' inthe trap (not shown but correspondingto that marked 26 in Fig.k

2.)'and this would prevent its escape",y The condensate from both elements 42 ariel 43V passes .into an outlet46 that communicates with the main drain through atrap or o-ther-A wise. In this instance, the outlet is showna's.

mounted on the extension 42 and, thus,'as being indirect c'ommunicationwith the highpressure conduit. This, of course, changes what i @nim is; Y

the relative positions, of'tliefwatenhead, but f rthe device functions similarly toy ,thatV de# scribed in connection with the structures of Figs. l1 and-4. Y; f

drying units communicating with the feed-` pipe and all draining'into the returnfpipe, free` passageways .for condensate and foreign mattei' from each ofsaidpipes',a commony outlet communicating 'with the passageways for .the condeiisate,`;and .means for 'maintain ing a diiierential in pressure betweenl the feed and return pipes and includinga'waterating to preventpassageof steam;,fromthe l f feed-pipe into the return-pipe.

.A two-pipe vdrying system, comprisinga ',feedfpipe, a returnepipe, one within the other, a series of dryingv units mounted on' the outer pipe and communicating withthe Y f feed pipe and all draining into the returnpipe, free passageways for condensate and foreignmatter from each of saidvpipes', a

common outlet communicating with the pasi sageways forvthe rremoval of the foreign matter, a common outlet communicating with the passageways for the condensate, and means vfor maintaining a differential in pressurebetween said pipes and including a water-leg between said pipes and in circuit withandV common toeach unit of said series and`op* erating to prevent the passage of steam from the feed-pipe into the returnfpipe.

A two-pipe drying system comprising a izo feed-pipe, a return-pipe, one of the pipes Y being disposed within the other, a series of drying units mounted on the outer pipe and communicating with the feed pipe andall draining into the return-pipe, members connecting with the pipes and of capacity to permit the free passage of Vcondensate and foreign matter, means adjacent the members lasl 90. .4i two-pipe drying system comprising a Y Y l* v reed-pipe, a lreturn-pipe, a seriesV of hollow .10o v leg between said pipesandincircuit with and'` j commento each vunit of said seriesand opei'-,

and common thereto for the removal of the foreign matter from both members, an outlet for condensate from-the units, and meansV for maintaining a diiferential in pressure be- 95' tween the pipes and including a water-leg between the pipes and common to and in circuit with each unit of said series and operat4 ing to prevent outflow of steam into the return-pipe.

o fl. A two-pipe drying system comprising a feed-conduit, a return-condu1t, one within the other, a series of drying units mounted on the outer conduit and communicating with the feed pipe and' all draining into the re- S turn-conduit, Va common outlet communicating with the conduits for condensate from the two pipes and the units, and a common outlet independent of the condensate-outlet and also communicating with the conduits for '20 the removal `of foreign matter therefrom.

5. A circulating system including a steamsupply conduit, an exhaust-conduit' associated therewith, a series of drying units having inlet and outlet ports communicating with both conduits, respectively, and a water-seal interposed between the conduits and common to all of the units of the series and operatingV Y to maintain a differential in pressure between the conduits and between the ports of each '3o unit.

6. A circulating system including a steam supply conduit, an exhaust-conduit associated therewith, a series of drying units on one of said conduits, each unithaving inlet and` iutlet ports vcommunieating with both con duits, respectively, a water-seal interposed between the conduits andV common to all of the units of the series and operating to maintain a differential in pressure between the 40 conduits and between the ports of eachrunit,

and an outlet common to the two conduitsfo the condensate therefrom.

In testimony whereof I affix my signature.

y THOMAS W. PROSSER. 

